Homeย Southbank, a build-to-rent (BTR) apartment community in Melbourne, has recently opened its doors. The vision of award-winning architectural firmย Bates Smart in collaboration withย Homeโsย in-houseย design team,ย local makers and creators, including stylistย Ruth Welsby, contributed too.
With over 1500 square metres of communal spaces throughout the building, the aesthetic goal is โlaid back Australian luxuryโ. It features 403 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across 59 levels in the heart of City Road precinct.
The architecture
The exterior facade celebrates its industrial heritage within a glass tower, offering sweeping views of the city no matter the viewpoint.
โThe towerโs elegant proportions allowed us to focus our efforts on designing a building that respects the character of the area and surrounding properties, but also celebrates the uniqueness of the design. The slenderness of the building creates calm, ordered architecture that deliberately contrasts with some of Southbankโs busier architecture,โ said Bates Smart director, Julian Anderson.
โAt the same time, its podium integrates materials, textures and character found in surrounding neighbourhood structures, including the Kings Way overpass and local brick warehouses, to make it part of the neighbourhoodโs street-level fabric.”
Drawing from the industrial heritage and character of the precinct, the use of reclaimed brick, heavy steel and warehouse glazing, fit in with the streetscape.
Inside
โInside, we placed special emphasis on designing amenities that are accessible to all residents. Theyโre located at the top of the building, so that everybody can share the best views and premier space. This floor becomes a magnet for all residents and helps to create a strong community, one of the fundamental aspirations of all BTR projects,โ Julian added.
Throughout each space sits a variety of Australian furniture, individually curated by Ruth andย Homeโs in-house design team. Warm tones, textures and handcrafted homewares sit beside signature furniture pieces by coveted Australian brands Jardan, Grazia and Co., En Gold, Tait, Anaca, Zuster and more.ย Each room has been curated to feel inviting and cosy; spaces where residents feel welcome to take off their shoes and relax.
The importance of design at home
Head ofย Home, Christian Grahame,ย said they’dย had taken a considered approach to Australian design in a way that was as unique and inviting as the spaces themselves, with the aim to extend the connection and experience of residents to beyond each apartmentโs four walls.
โAfter spending several years curating every detail ofย Homeโsย premium living experience โ collaborating with a globally minded team of experts – itโs exciting to finally be welcoming Melburnians to their newย Home,โ Christian said. โHow buildings are designed affect how we feel and behave while enhancing how we live.”
โBy marrying the expertise of Bates Smart with our internal team along with Ruth Welsbyย โ weโve created a place which we believe will connect our residents to their community andย weโre so proud to partner with homegrown businesses and local industryโemerging and establishedโwho understand the way our residents want to live.”
Ruth adds: “It was such an exciting opportunity to create stylish, inviting spaces that embrace Australian designers and makers.”
Photos by Henry Trumble
